Surprising Defensive Game Puts Packers (7) on Losing Side in Detroit (19)

DETROIT, MI – 9/22/2014 –It was a game that had fantasy football owners psyched going in. Packers @ Lions. A battle between two mediocre pass defenses and two great passing offenses. However, rather than the modern day 31-28 game that was predicted, this game looked like a game from the days of Vince Lombardi & Buddy Parker. A game that saw the pass-happy Packers attempt to run the ball four more times than they dropped star quarterback Aaron Rodgers back in the pocket. A game that saw the Lions’ defense score almost half of the team’s points. At the end of the day, though, the Lions “defended the Den” that is Ford Field.

The game didn’t start out well for the Packers, who after forcing a quick drive defensively, saw second year running back Eddie Lacy fumble the ball that was recovered for a touchdown by Detroit’s Don Carey. After a few punts by each team throughout the first quarter, the Packers were able to piece together their only scoring drive of the day. A nine play, 59 yard drive that ended on a tight 10-yard throw from Aaron Rodgers to tight end Andrew Quarless.

The rest of the game was as sloppy as it gets. The Packers offense got pinned back at the one yard line in the second quarter, and ended up giving up a safety that gave the Lion’s the points and possession. A possession that gave the Lions a three point lead going into halftime. The theme of the game for the Packers offense seemed to be: “Let’s stall out around mid-field. They would move the ball well in their own territory, but there was always a false-start or a sack waiting for the Packers on third down. Reggie Bush was able to seal the deal for the Lions, scoring on a 20-yard run early in the fourth quarter.

On the other side of the ball, the Lions did everything they could to give the game to Aaron Rodgers & the Packers, who refused the gift. Matthew Stafford threw two interceptions and fumbled the ball once in the game, and didn’t even throw a touchdown pass. Superstar Calvin Johnson was held to 80 yards, which for “Megatron” is low. The Lions, as a team averaged merely 3.0 yards per carry on 38 attempts. This is what left Packers’ fans so perplexed. A disappointing defense stepped up and gave the offense every chance to take the win, but it just never came together for the Packers.

Packers. Bears. 1pm Sunday on 98.3 WRUP!

In the game, neither quarterback impressed. Aaron Rodgers went 16/27 for 162 yards and one touchdown, while Matthew Stafford went a decent 22/34 for 246 yards, but had the three turnovers that could’ve cost Detroit dearly. Both running games were dismal, as the teams combined to just average 3.18 yards per carry.

In some good news for the Packers, they were able to force some turnovers in the game. Something that they have struggled to do in the past few seasons. First round pick Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix recorded his first career interception, and also recorded the first interception by a Packers’ safety in the past two seasons. Along with Clinton-Dix, Davon House also managed to intercept Matt Stafford on a very impressive catch.

The Packers will be back in action on Sunday. This time, they’ll be facing off against yet another division rival: The Chicago Bears. The Bears (2-1) could really damage the Packers’ chances of winning the division by knocking the Packers down to 1-3 with a win. It’s the NFL’s oldest rivalry and it’s on Sunday Night Football this weekend! So join Wayne & Larry and the staff as they bring you all of the coverage. Pre-game will begin at 11:30am with an 1pm kick off. You can catch it all right here, on Marquette County’s official Packers station: 98.3 WRUP. Go Pack Go!